Old School SF-Swan Oyster Depot

Fresh seafood

If you are walking down Polk Street on a Saturday or during the week around lunch time, you may notice a long line on the sidewalk.  Curious eyes dart at the people in line, wondering what everyone is waiting for.  Then they walk past a rather innocuous looking window and see the treasure chest of goodies: fresh crab, fish, salmon, scallops, shrimp, prawns.... I could go on and on.  That is Swan Oyster Depot.

The long line

The restaurant is very small; it sits about 20 people at a long bar.  Swan Oyster opened its doors in 1912 and it has been a landmark establishment ever since.  Family-owned, the brothers Sancimino work the counter, each with his own style and personality.  At an old-school establishment like this, you can really tell how important customer service is to the family.  Not only does one brother greet you, but each of them makes sure to stop in front of you and ask you how you are doing, if you need anything, if you have any questions.  And they all do it with a big smile.  Great service always makes great food taste even better.
 

The guys preparing your lunch

On to the food.  If you love seafood, especially raw seafood, this is the place to go.  The restaurant gets their seafood fresh each day.  There are many different ways to order.  You can order a louie salad with crab, shrimp, prawns or a combination of all three.  Or you can go with seafood cocktail with you choice of dipping sauces.  Half cracked crab, oysters on the half shell, smoked salmon or trout, sashimi, it’s all available for you to try.  The clam chowder is excellent as well, not too creamy to take away from the seafood.  Top it off with a Stella Artois or Anchor Steam or a glass of wine and you are set for a mouth-watering meal.

So many choices

The seafood is unbelievably fresh.  The smoked salmon is a must order if that is something you like.  They prepare it on a piece of french bread and top it off with onions and capers.  It is like a small, bite-size sandwich.  Absolutely wonderful each and every time.  The oysters are great as are all the other items on the menu.  It really is a fresh seafood paradise.

Combination salad

Smoked salmon

A couple of things before you stop by and try it out.  The line to get in can be very long at times.  No reservations and because of the limited seating, it can be difficult for larger groups to get in.  I have waited 5-10 minutes and between 30-45 minutes.  Just be patient because it is well worth it.  Once you get to the front of the line, grab a beer or glass of wine while you wait.  And the restaurant is cash only.  There is a bank right across the street and plenty of ATM’s in the neighborhood.  Great service, fresh and delicious seafood and the feel of an old-school restaurant make Swan Oyster Depot a must stop in San Francisco.

This tells it all: Cash Only! 

Swan Oyster Depot is located at 1517 Polk Street in San Francisco.  They are open 8:00-5:30 Monday-Saturday and do not take reservations.  

Phone Number: (415) 673-1101